Tips For the Holidays
By, Katie Henry, MS, CNS-c (Nutritionist and Chef)
Something that I get asked frequently around this time of year is for “tips” to get through the holidays and stay on track with nutrition. To that question, there are some answers that can certainly help, such as drinking enough water each day, getting in some type of daily movement, getting adequate sleep, enjoying your time with your family, but my most helpful “tip” may not be something that comes to mind first. Look at the bigger picture, at your long-term health.
It is best to accept that you are most likely going to indulge more than usual during the holiday months, and that is okay! This is a season filled with family and friends, with bigger dinners and more cookie platters, it is truly a time to enjoy the joy that it brings. In a previous blog post, I wrote about how stress can negatively impact your nutrition, overall health, and sleep, so this season is no stranger to that! It’s easy to think that your diet or body could be “set back” by overindulging during the holiday season, but that simply isn’t the case.
Here is why the big picture is a better mindset to have: the year is 12 months, 52 weeks, and you are most likely enjoying more holiday-esque meals for 4-6 or so weeks out of that 52! It doesn’t seem so bad when put like that, does it? So, in looking at the bigger picture, how will this be beneficial for the holiday season or any other life “interruption” that may occur? Putting in habits that are more sustainable, that become healthy habits, recognizing that there are ebbs and flows in life, realizing that there is no “perfect time” to start creating these habits, that things will come up but allowing yourself flexibility is key. It is important to be as realistic as you can!
With all of this being said, what can you start doing now? Incorporate seasonable fruits and vegetables, whole grains, energy and joy-filled snacks; make sure to be drinking water, even as the temperatures start to chill; take part in movement that feels good for you each day, listen to your body; make sure to keep sleep, hobbies, and relaxation as non-negotiables. These are simple things to incorporate now and in doing so you’ll be able to experience the holiday season with ease, knowing that you have the ability to eat all of the treats and spend time with family without feeling the guilt that you may have in the past!